That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur V

"This man has admitted to homosexuality in this kingdom. He was found with the crowned prince, trying to convert him and admitted to drugging the prince in order to do so. He will be sentenced to death."

Uther's words were like a spear through Arthur's heart. He stood, watching, his heart beat faster and faster. Morgana sensed his tension and slipped her hand into his. He looked over and she nodded. The two had spent the rest of the night plotting against what seemed to be inevitable. If Merlin died that day, at least Arthur got to kiss him, just once.

Then, Arthur's breath hitched in his lungs. Merlin was being led out, hands tied behind his back, his clothes dirty with what looked like fresh dirt marks. Arthur grew angry at the guards and wanted to run to Merlin's side, but Morgana held him back.

Merlin was led to the center of a circle of townspeople who had come to watch. A large block of wood had been set on a platform and a man stood nearby with a large ax, sharpening it so it would go in one, clean slice, through Merlin's flesh.

Merlin looked up, his tired eyes meeting Arthur's gaze. He debated taking Arthur's voice so he couldn't stop what was going to happen, but knew he wouldn't be able to give it back and didn't want to curse Arthur with that, so he left him alone. Arthur watched until Merlin broke their eye contact and allowed himself to be brought onto the platform.

"Any last words?" Uther's voice rang out toward Merlin.

Merlin stood, facing Uther, and smiled, "I'm not afraid," he said bravely, "No one should be afraid of you, Uther, because you're a coward. You've conditioned everyone in the kingdom to fear the things you fear and hate the things you hate all because an evil sorceress took away your wife. A life for a life. If these people were to stand up to you and defy your rules, a lot of them would be a lot happier. Including your own son."

Uther looked to Arthur who stood strong next to Morgana who was encouraging him just by being there.

"He's not afraid of sorcery as you are. He's not afraid of homosexuals as you are. If he were in charge, many of these people would serve him without hesitation and with love in their hearts. I know I would."

"Speak no more of your taunting words!" Uther commanded, "You will turn my own son against me!"

"It's too late for that," Arthur spoke bravely, "He's right. You are a coward and you have trained me to be one, too, but I will not fall for your tricks and lies any more. I am not afraid of sorcery or anything else. In fact, I find you guilty of treason against the prince of Camelot for unlawful abuse and slander. I should have you put to death."

Uther grew furious, "What is the meaning of this?!" he demanded.

Arthur's brave speech seemed to ignite a spark inside the people of the neighboring villages and they began speaking up, calling out that they agreed with Arthur and wanted to overthrow Uther, leaving the throne for Arthur to take.

"The kingdom believes in me," Arthur said, "So, I hereby take your crown for the good of Camelot and for the good of the kingdom. I also release Merlin to be free to live his life how he sees fit."

"You are not crowned king," Uther said as Arthur commanded guards to take him into chains, "You have no authority over me."

"I don't need authority," Arthur said, following Uther inside as he was being led away, "I have the entire kingdom on my side. You are overthrown, Uther Pendragon, and I hereby banish you for your unlawful behavior and abuse to the future king of Camelot. If you ever show your face in Camelot again, you will be sentenced to death."

"Treason!" Uther cursed as the guards led him away, "You will never put me to death, your own father!"

"You stopped being my father the day you sentenced my love to death!" Arthur shouted loudly at Uther, tearing his crown from his head.

Uther was startled at this, but still fought to be free. Arthur stood, watching him be dragged away, feeling pain in his heart, but not for that. As soon as Uther and the guards had rounded the corner, Arthur turned to Morgana, "Go find Merlin," he commanded.

"Wait, where are you going?!" Morgana called after him.

"Just find him and bring him to the throne room!"

Morgana did as she was told, finding Merlin standing, weak, in the streets, rubbing his wrists where shackles had been mere minutes before. People gathered around him and thanked him, hugging him and kissing him.

Morgana broke through the crowd and whispered to Merlin  to follow her. He thanked the people again and then followed Morgana. Once out of the crowd, he asked what was wrong.

"Arthur wanted to see you," she stopped him, "He de-throned Uther, Merlin. He's going to be king now. Uther has been banished on pain of death if he returns and Arthur is free. You are free."

Merlin couldn't stop a tear from rolling down his cheek, followed by another and another. Morgana smiled and a tear stung her own eye as she hugged Merlin tightly. He hugged her back and thanked her a million times.

"Don't thank me. Thank Arthur. But first, let me help you get cleaned up."